Lafayette Police: Passenger Killed After SUV Crashes Into Home, Driver Arrested

A 39-year-old Broussard man was killed, and two other passengers were injured after an SUV left SE Evangeline Thruway and crashed into a Lafayette residence early Sunday morning, according to the Lafayette Police Department.

Police say the driver, 28-year-old Justyce Griffith of Alexandria, was later arrested after investigators determined she was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and tested over the legal limit.

The fatal crash happened around 3 a.m. Sunday, September 6, in the 1100 block of SE Evangeline Thruway.

Passenger Killed After Tahoe Crashes Into Lafayette Residence

According to Lafayette Police, a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling northbound on SE Evangeline Thruway when, for reasons that remain under investigation, it left the roadway to the right and struck a residence.

A passenger in the Tahoe, identified by police as 39-year-old Tolentino Ramirez-Cornejo of Broussard, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Two additional passengers were transported to an area hospital. Police said one suffered minor injuries while another suffered severe injuries. Both were listed in stable condition as of the department's latest update.

Griffith also suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Driver Accused Of Driving While Intoxicated

Lafayette Police said investigators determined Griffith was operating the Tahoe while under the influence of alcohol and that she tested over the legal limit.

Following medical clearance, Griffith was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

According to police, she faces one count of vehicular homicide, one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, two counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, one count of careless operation and one count of failure to secure a driver's license.

The charges are allegations, and Griffith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

SE Evangeline Thruway Closed Following Early Morning Crash

The crash initially prompted the closure of northbound SE Evangeline Thruway at East Pinhook Road as emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.

Police originally reported the crash as one involving injuries before releasing additional details later Sunday morning confirming Ramirez-Cornejo's death and Griffith's arrest.

The Lafayette Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate what caused the Tahoe to leave the roadway.

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Lafayette Police Issue Warning About Impaired Driving

Following the fatal crash, Lafayette Police urged drivers to make plans for a safe ride before consuming alcohol, particularly during the holiday weekend.

Police encouraged anyone planning to drink to designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation and urged residents not to allow friends or family members to drive while impaired.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information could be released as it becomes available.